Liverpool’s record against their top-six rivals has been well documented and, while on its own it is not enough for them to keep up with Chelsea’s relentless pace, it has at least allowed them to strengthen their hold on a top-four spot.

The Reds are unbeaten in nine games against fellow top-six opposition this season, amassing 19 points from a possible 27 in that time to establish themselves as clear leaders of that particular mini-league.

Indeed, 11 of Liverpool’s last 15 Premier League points have come against their direct Champions League rivals, but defeats to the likes of Swansea City, Hull City and Leicester City – in addition to a draw with Sunderland – in that same time period have left them in the most vulnerable of those top-four places.

Champions League qualification is actually still out of Liverpool’s hands considering they only hold a five-point lead over fifth-placed Arsenal despite having played two games more than the Gunners. However, Jurgen Klopp would surely prefer to have the points on the board rather than the games in hand.